Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling on Barbie and Kenergy

But on the similar time, you want to have the ability to level out all of the issues that folks have discovered problematic about Barbie. Greta would say, run towards that, that’s going to be extra attention-grabbing.

What have been their largest issues?

ROBBIE There was an extended laundry record of issues. By the best way, we had complete freedom. They weren’t allowed to dictate the film, however we didn’t wish to make a film that they weren’t going to be supportive of as properly.

Some issues are tiny, like her referring to herself as Stereotypical Barbie. The phrase “stereotypical” has detrimental connotations hooked up to it. They requested if we might think about a special phrase. Sure, I stated, “We could call her Generic Barbie or Original Barbie or Blond Barbie.” But the phrase “stereotypical” is essential as a result of she is already placing parameters round herself that she is, later within the film, going to step out of and break away. So that’s essential for her journey. She wants to begin there, referring to herself as Stereotypical Barbie, as a result of she’s already placing herself down with out realizing it.

Ryan, are you able to describe the way you felt after you first learn the script?

RYAN GOSLING Well, the title web page stated “Barbie and Ken,” and the “and Ken” was scratched out. It was clearly not what I anticipated. It’s so elegantly and brilliantly designed by Greta and Margot to be like a theme park or one thing, the place you don’t actually need a map. It’s already engineered so that you simply hit all of the spots they need you to hit with out you figuring out it. I went on the journey and I’m nonetheless happening it. I don’t wish to go away the park. They are kicking me out. “The park is closing, sir.” But I ordered churros and they’re coming, I swear.

What do you two say about this mini-hubbub over Ken’s age and Ryan being too previous to play him?

GOSLING #NotMyKen.

ROBBIE Barbie and Ken are technically of their 60s. So no matter. The very first thing I assumed after I heard that was, in “Grease,” they’re speculated to be excessive schoolers, and never as soon as within the 150 occasions that I’ve watched “Grease” over time did I ever not get pleasure from “Grease” as a result of I used to be like, “I need to go check what age they were.” They discovered essentially the most charismatic, proficient individuals to dazzle me. And that’s why I like that film.